Walnut High's Standout Athletes Complete College 'Fall Signing'

WALNUT, CA — Six Walnut High School athletes made their college choices official during a recent lunchtime signing ceremony with families, friends, teammates and coaches in attendance.

Congratulations to the following students who received scholarships to play their sports in college:

• James Arakawa, University of the Pacific – Baseball;
• Trussi Li, University of Denver - Golf;
• Cara Le, Fresno Pacific – Swimming;
• Stephanie Dye, York College – Soccer;
• Tyiona Watkins, University of Washington – Basketball;
• and Katherine Muzi, University of Southern California – Golf.

“What a great accomplishment!” principal Brandon Dade said addressing the crowd gathered to honor the Mustang athletes. “I want to congratulate each of you. This is something that doesn’t happen very often,” he said.

After introductions, athlete director Jerry Person gave the signal for the athletes to sign National Letters of Intent to join their choice colleges for the 2018-19 academic year.

“Go ahead, get your pens, and sign your letters!” he announced.

Star guard/forward Tyiona Watkins committed to play basketball at the University of Washington. She is currently ranked as the No. 14 wing player in the class of 2018 by ESPN and No. 20 by Prospects Nation.

"Tyiona is an outstanding athlete and leader," Walnut High coach Lori Huckler said. "She works hard on and off the court to always improve as a player and a student."

Shortstop James Arakawa will be heading to University of the Pacific in the fall.

Arakawa, who first picked up a baseball bat at age 6, experienced the pinnacle of success when the Mustang baseball team captured the Division 3 CIF title last spring. “All the practice and hard work definitely paid off,” he said.

Photos:

Images 1 and 2: Six Walnut High star athletes sign National Letters of Intent on Nov. 15.

Images 3 and 4: Walnut High athletes James Arakawa, Trussi Li, Cara Le, Stephanie Dye, Tyiona Watkins, and Katherine Muzi are celebrated during signing ceremony. Shown with Athletic Director Jerry Person and Principal Brandon Dade, and shown with coaches, Athletic Director Jerry Person and Principal Brandon Dade.

Image 5: Walnut High senior James Arakawa proudly holds banner at signing day ceremony.

Images 6,7, 8 and 9: Families, friends, and coaches gather for signing day ceremony at Walnut High.

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--Photos via WHS